Review: Unseen (The Elements Trilogy #2) by Melissa Pearl

Unseen

Author: Melissa Pearl

Series: The Elements Trilogy

Pages: 298

Genre: Young Adult - Fantasy

Publisher/Source: Melissa Pearl

Release date: July 2013

Amazon

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

Danger surrounds the Seekers. Having already faced overwhelming odds, Kyla and Jethro discover it is only the beginning. Now they must face the power of nature itself.

Each day is a test of faith.

Two elements remain undiscovered. The light is yet to be resurrected. Dark forces prepare to descend upon the heroes of prophecy and they have one more power they must over come...their forbidden love for each other.

Each moment is a test of loyalty and courage.

In Taramon, Athra faces his own demons as he frets over the safety of his fiancée while trying to counter a dark evil that is brought to his doorstep. Treachery lurks in the shadows, forcing the future king into an action that could destroy his beloved city.

Through it all, they must cling to the truths hidden in the unseen.

Review: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars

Unseen is the most wonderful follow up to Unknown, the first book in The Elements trilogy and begins where it left off.

Princess Kyla of Taramon along with her best friend and fellow seeker Jethro continue their search for the missing elements in order to fulfil a forbidden prophecy. Their trek takes them through treacherous terrain and life threatening obstacles in order to save the kingdoms from looming darkness. The action packed and fast-paced journey they had to make kept me on the edge of my seat anxious to see what would happen.

There were many intense, suspenseful moments that made for an enthralling read, with the dangers they had to face with the elements surrounding them as well as the dark forces of Ashan’s Army; we get the perfect mix of action, betrayal, challenges and suspense.

Both Kyla and Jethro showed a great deal of strength and courage in this book and continue to develop. The forbidden romance causes some tension but progresses despite Kyla being betrothed to Athra, the chemistry and sweet moments between them was perfect.

I have enjoyed the strong world-building and captivating plot right from the onset, the prophecy is fascinating and the journey the characters had to take and what they had to endure made for a fast-paced read; I was eager to see the outcome of Kyla and Jethro’s quest and I still adore Adamar and Mya and the wisdom they shared plus new additions Eshron and Cori.

Having now read a few book by Melissa Pearl, her writing just gets better and better and the details she provides draws you into the vivid setting and the story which at times was quite emotional, I couldn’t flick the pages fast enough during some scenes.

Overall, Unseen is a gripping sequel in The Elements Trilogy filled with danger, action and a sweet budding romance. The ending left me gaping so I am definitely eager to read the final book it the trilogy, Unleashed.

Thank-you kindly to Melissa Pearl for the opportunity to read and review Unseen.

About the author: Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November, 2011. Since then she has produced three more books with her fifth novel, Betwixt, due out in November 2012.

"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."

Website – Twitter – Facebook - Goodreads

Book one UNKNOWN is only $0.99 on Amazon kindle at the moment.

I have been interviewed at Yalicious!

 

I have been interviewed by the wonderfully talented author Melissa Pearl for her YA blog – Yalicious, stop by and say hi, discover some of my all-time favourite books, genre and reading places.

Books I have read by Melissa:

Betwixt – my review

Unknown – my review

 

Review: Unknown (The Elements #1) by Melissa Pearl

Unknown

Author: Melissa Pearl

Series: Elements trilogy

Publisher: Self

Genre: Young Adult – Fantasy

Amazon

Synopsis (Goodreads)

Darkness is covering the land. As the city of Mezrah grows with power and greed, the rest of the world can only stand by and wait for their inevitable destruction. The only hope against this growing power is an ancient prophecy that people have stopped believing in.

Then a star begins to fall.

Princess Kyla of Taramon stopped believing in the power of light the day her father died. Trapped in a city she does not care for, under the watchful glare of her mother, the queen, she struggles to accept her fate.

Then a star begins to fall.

Jethro has loved Kyla for as long as he can remember. Learning that she was to marry his cousin drove a wedge between him and the feisty princess. Watching her from a distance is a torture he is unable to free himself from.

Then a star begins to fall, sparking an ember of hope and sending two seekers on a treacherous journey into the unknown.

Review: 4 out of 5 stars

Unknown by Melissa Pearl is the first book in the Elements trilogy and was kindly provided to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.

The story follows sixteen year-old Princess Kyla of Taramon, a character who isn't so keen on following the rules when it comes to her privileged role so is quite the stubborn heroine which I quite liked. She is snarky, strong-minded and kick-butt but she is also fiercely loyal.

When a sign is received hinting of a forbidden prophecy which has shown the possibility of breaking Ashan, the dark rulers reign, two seekers are chosen - Kyla and her former best friend Jethro to embark on a dangerous mission to save the world from looming darkness so they seek to find the missing elements.

Jethro has been in love with Kyla unbeknownst to her for a very long time but she is betrothed to his cousin Athra so he has distanced himself away from her, he was a bit of an ass to her initially but I came to enjoy their interactions, the bond they shared and the small hints that his feelings could possibly be reciprocated, I liked them as a couple but their situation isn’t going to be an easy one.

Each of the characters are developed well, they don’t come across as teenagers which I quite liked and the secondary cast all played a pivotal part in the overall story. I especially liked Adamar and Mya; who were definitely a surprise and both with great knowledge and I respected Queen Elaina's decisions to protect her only daughter, her reactions were believable. of course, we also get the villains who were written extremely well.

Fantasy isn't a genre I read often but I absolutely adored the magic, mystical creatures and secrets within Unknown and with the sweet, budding romance that left me swooning thrown in leaving me wanting more, I was definitely engrossed in Melissa Pearls storytelling.

I enjoyed the world-building and captivating plot from the onset, I was fascinated by the prophecy, differing lands and the reasoning behind why a treaty was required although I’m looking forward to finding out more in the next installment; I was eager to see the outcome of Kyla and Jethro quest and the dangerous trip they had to undertake to find the elements and was surprised by the twist of what they were; it was a page turner that is beautifully written with a vividly detailed setting.

Unknown is very different from Melissa Pearl’s contemporary YA novel, Betwixt; her writing has developed vastly and it shows her ability to write a variety of genres with ease.

My only small gripe was in the initial stages of Unknown, the pacing for me was slow so it took me a little while to get into but once it took off it was one big thrill ride and I was completely absorbed; also it ended quite abruptly so I am definitely keen to read the next book which has a July release date.

Overall, I loved the fantasy world that Melissa Pearl has created with Unknown. It is a book filled with magic, mayhem, action and romance; I can’t wait to get hold of the next book in the series, Unseen.

About the author: Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November, 2011. Since then she has produced three more books with her fifth novel, Betwixt, due out in November 2012.

"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."

Twitter - Facebook - Blog - Goodreads

Betwixt by Melissa Pearl Promotion

BETWIXT IS ON SALE!!

Only $1.99 until March 31st.

"Gripping and evocative. A dark tale that strikes close to your heart, rekindling hope and faith." 

T. G. Ayer - Author of The Valkyrie Novels.

* * * * * * * * * * 

For every copy of Betwixt sold, a portion will be donated to a charity organisation - Love146.

These guys are working to prevent child exploitation and trafficking. They also help with rehabilitation and gifting the freed children a chance at a life filled with hope and promise.

Betwixt is a story about being rescued and redeemed. Love146 does an amazing job at restoring those who have been broken.

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Beautiful, wild-chid Nicole Tepper is hit by a car and left for dead. But when she wakes the next morning, Nicole finds herself in bed without a scratch. Perhaps she was more intoxicated than usual, as her mother is giving her the silent treatment and her friends are ignoring her as well. 

Things take a turn for the weird when Nicole soon discovers she is actually hovering between life and death. Her body is lying in the forest while her spirit is searching for anyone who can hear her. Unfortunately the only person who can is Dale Finnigan, the guy she publicly humiliated with a sharp-tongued insult that has left him branded.

Desperate, Nicole has no choice but to haunt Dale and convince the freaked-out senior to help her. Will he find her body before it's too late? Or will the guy who tried to kill her with his car, beat him there and finish her off before anyone finds out?

Check out Amazon stores to purchase a copy.

Amazon USA

Amazon UK

Contact Melissa Pearl: Facebook - Twitter - Melissa Pearl Blog - Yalicious Blog - Amazon Author Page - Goodreads - Smashwords - Newsletter subscription - Website - Pinterest 

My review

Cover reveal: Unknown - An Elements Trilogy Novel by Melissa Pearl

I am pleased to be able to reveal the beautiful cover for Melissa Pearl’s Young Adult Fantasy novel, Unknown which is the first book in The Elements Trilogy.

Contact Melissa Pearl: Website – Blog – Twitter – Goodreads

Book Description: Darkness is covering the land. As the city of Mezrah grows with power and greed, the rest of the world can only stand by and wait for their inevitable destruction. The only hope against this growing power is an ancient prophecy that people have stopped believing in.

Then a star begins to fall.

Princess Kyla of Taramon stopped believing in the power of light the day her father died. Trapped in a city she does not care for, under the watchful glare of her mother, the queen, she struggles to accept her fate.

Then a star begins to fall.

Jethro has loved Kyla for as long as he can remember. Learning that she was to marry his cousin drove a wedge between him and the feisty princess. Watching her from a distance is a torture he is unable to free himself from.

Then a star begins to fall, sparking an ember of hope and sending two seekers on a trecherous journey into the unknown.

About Melissa Pearl: Melissa was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November, 2011. Since then she has produced three more books with her fifth novel, Betwixt, due out in November 2012.

"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."

Unknown has an anticipated release date of June 2013

ARC Review: Betwixt by Melissa Pearl

 

Author: Melissa Pearl

Pages: 379

Genre: YA

Publisher: Self

Amazon: Betwixt
Release Date: 5th November 2012

For every copy of Betwixt sold, Melissa Pearl is going to donate $1 towards charity - Love146. The more copies sold the more money that can be passed onto this wonderful organization.

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

Beautiful, wild-child Nicole Tepper is hit by a car and left for dead. But when she wakes the next morning, Nicole finds herself in bed without a scratch. Perhaps she was more intoxicated than usual, as her mother is giving her the silent treatment and her friends are ignoring her as well.

Things take a turn for the weird when Nicole soon discovers she is actually hovering between life and death. Her body is lying in the forest while her spirit is searching for anyone who can hear her. Unfortunately the only person who can is Dale Finnigan, the guy she publicly humiliated with a sharp-tongued insult that has left him branded.

Desperate, Nicole has no choice but to haunt Dale and convince the freaked-out senior to help her. Will he find her body before it's too late? Or will the guy who tried to kill her with his car, beat him there and finish her off before anyone finds out?

Review: 4 out of 5 stars

Meaning of Betwixt (between), neither the one nor the other; in a middle or unresolved position

Betwixt by Melissa Pearl was kindly provided to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.

16 year-old Nicole Tepper seems to be on a downward spiral, partying too much, drinking and mixing with the wrong crowd until one fateful night she is hit by a car and left for dead. Upon waking the next morning she realizes she is lurking between life and death, her body is where it remains in a forest and her spirit able to wander but the only person able to hear her is Dale Finnigan, a boy who Nicole publicly humiliated for her own popularity purposes.

Nicole was a difficult character to like initially, she was self-absorbed, insensitive and unfeeling; she treated herself and those around her with no respect at all and her sharp-tongue was plain nasty. Ms. Pearl wrote her in such a way that you actually feel sorry rather than remain disengaged from her which I thought was well done. Her families loss was the reason behind her behavior but her new lifestyle was causing her self-destruction, I think her having Dale help her was the best thing for her, he was good to her and didn’t put up with her rubbish.

I think Dale and his wonderful personality actually made this book for me, he was an absolute sweetheart with a secret past of his own, he went through his own personal nightmare but came through it with a better outlook on life and really changed his ways; which as the story progressed seemed to rub off on Nicole.

I really enjoyed Ms Pearl’s writing and the engrossing story she has written, the plot was not only about Dale and Nicole trying to locate where her body was but also whether there was someone who had deliberately hit her, left her for dead and was out to finish the job; the mystery surrounding what had happened was really entertaining and kept me riveted.

What had me stumped though was the lack of punishment given to the person who had committed the crime, I was mortified and wanted more; it was too easy a resolution for them.

I enjoyed each of the characters interactions, and with Nicole being invisible she was able to find out what her friends (who were extremely superficial) and others really thought of her which would have devastated anyone; it also bought home how her actions & her families loss were affecting their lives together; I appreciated this aspect and the fact they realized things needed to change.

All in all, I really enjoyed Betwixt and the wonderful story Ms Pearl has written. I will definitely read more books written by this author.

Thank-you to Melissa Pearl for providing me with a copy of Betwixt.

For every copy of Betwixt sold, Melissa Pearl is going to donate $1 towards charity - Love146. The more copies sold the more money that can be passed onto this wonderful organization.